What do you think?
Rate this book
Samantha Wolf Mysteries #2
The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines
What could be better than hiking, swimming, and horseback riding? Having a mystery to solve, of course! When Sam and Ally embark on their next quest together, they have no idea what secrets hide in the shadows at Camp Whispering Pines. Set in the beautiful, rugged mountains of the Pacific Northwest, the clues are slowly revealed, and it's up to the two girls to figure it out. New friendships are formed, while at the same time enemies lurk nearby. The closer they get to uncovering the truth behind the camp, the further they are pushed into danger and deceit. Can Sam and Alley put all of the pieces together before it's too late? Follow them on another thrilling tale filled with excitement and adventure, along misty, high mountain trails and deep ravines, where the answers wait to be found!
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2015
257 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Tara Ellis
64 books250 followersWith over 50 published books across ten genres, author Tara Ellis is best known for her heart-pounding post-apocalyptic and thriller series. A heavy dose of mystery often underscores her character-driven plots, heralding back to what fueled her desire to tell stories from an early age.
A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.
Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.
*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books
*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers
*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Coming this year, in 2025:
*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April
*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!
*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer
*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.
Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.
*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books
*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers
*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Coming this year, in 2025:
*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April
*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!
*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer
*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 27, 2018
When twelve-year-old best friends Sam and Ally found they were to head to Camp Whispering Pines for a week of swimming, horseback riding and hiking, as well as making new friends, they were ecstatic. Soon Ally’s mum was driving them to the location of the camp, where they signed in and got settled into their cabin with some other girls, plus their teenage leader.
The beauty of the mountains surrounding the camp were hiding a multitude of secrets and Sam and Ally were about to get caught up in them. Would they discover the truth behind the camp director’s surly demeanor? Or were they putting themselves – and their new friends – in danger?
The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines is the 2nd in the Samantha Wolf Mystery series by Tara Ellis and another entertaining adventure with the intrepid Sam and her sidekick Ally. Mystery, secrets, fun and laughter filled this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Written for young adults – tweens – nevertheless I had no trouble going along for the ride. Highly recommended.
The beauty of the mountains surrounding the camp were hiding a multitude of secrets and Sam and Ally were about to get caught up in them. Would they discover the truth behind the camp director’s surly demeanor? Or were they putting themselves – and their new friends – in danger?
The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines is the 2nd in the Samantha Wolf Mystery series by Tara Ellis and another entertaining adventure with the intrepid Sam and her sidekick Ally. Mystery, secrets, fun and laughter filled this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Written for young adults – tweens – nevertheless I had no trouble going along for the ride. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2015
This is such a fun book. It reminds me so much of the mystery stories I loved so much as a kid. The mystery here was much different than the one from the first novel, but it was equally as interesting.
The stories are very well written and easily enjoyed by a wide range of people. I like the summer camp feel this one has. It reminds me of all of my camping adventures growing up and how I always wanted some mystery of my own. I'm not sure I would like being treated as poorly as Sam and Ally are, but at least they are able to help their new friends and the camp.
This is such a fun read. I will definitely recommend it to my nieces and nephews and anyone who wants to revisit their childhood imaginations. Lots of fun and not overly predictable for the intended age group.
The stories are very well written and easily enjoyed by a wide range of people. I like the summer camp feel this one has. It reminds me of all of my camping adventures growing up and how I always wanted some mystery of my own. I'm not sure I would like being treated as poorly as Sam and Ally are, but at least they are able to help their new friends and the camp.
This is such a fun read. I will definitely recommend it to my nieces and nephews and anyone who wants to revisit their childhood imaginations. Lots of fun and not overly predictable for the intended age group.
April 6, 2018
The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines
Samantha Wolf Mysteries #2
By: Tara Ellis
Narrated by: Tara Ellis
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is an excellent book for middle grade or preteen kids! It has a great mystery, realistic dialogue, great characters, fun action, and good morals. This has an adventure, thrills, mystery, and friendships. Loved it! The author is also the narrator which she does just as well as writing it! Wonderful!
Samantha Wolf Mysteries #2
By: Tara Ellis
Narrated by: Tara Ellis
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is an excellent book for middle grade or preteen kids! It has a great mystery, realistic dialogue, great characters, fun action, and good morals. This has an adventure, thrills, mystery, and friendships. Loved it! The author is also the narrator which she does just as well as writing it! Wonderful!
November 13, 2020
DNF--Sorry, I can't take books written in the present tense.
March 25, 2018
Pure innocent fun
This is a great modern mystery adventure for middle grade students who are ready for something different then the Bobsey twins or Nancy Drew. Adult fan of children’s literature, I feel like my time reading was well spent. I don’t often give children’s books a five star rating (I actually don’t give a five star rating to many adult books). This one, however, feels well earned. Very few plot holes, well-developed characters, and engaging believable dialogue made this a winner.
This is a great modern mystery adventure for middle grade students who are ready for something different then the Bobsey twins or Nancy Drew. Adult fan of children’s literature, I feel like my time reading was well spent. I don’t often give children’s books a five star rating (I actually don’t give a five star rating to many adult books). This one, however, feels well earned. Very few plot holes, well-developed characters, and engaging believable dialogue made this a winner.
April 8, 2015
Check out the complete review at Views She Writes - WordPress Reviews
After an action packed 1st book, Tara Ellis is back with Samantha Wolf on an other adventure. This time they are off to a Summer Camp. Sam and Ally end up together in a Summer Camp and find themselves suddenly in the middle of a strange adventure.
Unlike the first book, this one is cozy and slow-paced. The story focuses more on how the girls have fun and make new friends. The mystery is a bit on the back end part.
What I could not accept here is the reason why they were dragged into the adventure in the first place. The whole thing started when Sam was targeted by the Director of the Camp for minor issues. That forces them to look into the matter, which resulted in the start of an adventure. If the Director would not have done that, then the adventure would not have happened at all. Although I am glad the adventure happened, it would have been more interesting and believable if they had stumbled up on a mystery by accident and not targeted and forced to unravel the whole matter.
Other than that, the entire story is peaceful and quiet. The pace is more like an Enid Blyton story. More of friendship and bonding is focused and the target audience, therefore, is very clearly categorized. Overall a good read.
After an action packed 1st book, Tara Ellis is back with Samantha Wolf on an other adventure. This time they are off to a Summer Camp. Sam and Ally end up together in a Summer Camp and find themselves suddenly in the middle of a strange adventure.
Unlike the first book, this one is cozy and slow-paced. The story focuses more on how the girls have fun and make new friends. The mystery is a bit on the back end part.
What I could not accept here is the reason why they were dragged into the adventure in the first place. The whole thing started when Sam was targeted by the Director of the Camp for minor issues. That forces them to look into the matter, which resulted in the start of an adventure. If the Director would not have done that, then the adventure would not have happened at all. Although I am glad the adventure happened, it would have been more interesting and believable if they had stumbled up on a mystery by accident and not targeted and forced to unravel the whole matter.
Other than that, the entire story is peaceful and quiet. The pace is more like an Enid Blyton story. More of friendship and bonding is focused and the target audience, therefore, is very clearly categorized. Overall a good read.
April 7, 2018
•audiobook•
In true serial stand alone mystery sets (the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew), book 2 is a direct opposite to the previous book. In Camp Whispering Pines, the strict adult figure had a closer, if not crooked, eye on Sam and Ellie. The leniency of a flexible summer schedule to explore and solve a mystery is a bygone and the girls are growing and maturing as they’ve aged a year since we met them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the new world building, as the setting is different, yet still vibrant. I’ve never been to summer camp, but the book brings back the euphoria a campy feel (campfires and bigfoot) and vast personality clashes and meshes.
The series also grows as we watch the teens interact with others their age.
Ms Ellis is an engaging narrator for her books!
I’m so excited to collect these audiobooks and share them with my granddaughters! Keep them coming!
In the meantime, I’m ready and eager to explore her books for an older audience, too.
In true serial stand alone mystery sets (the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew), book 2 is a direct opposite to the previous book. In Camp Whispering Pines, the strict adult figure had a closer, if not crooked, eye on Sam and Ellie. The leniency of a flexible summer schedule to explore and solve a mystery is a bygone and the girls are growing and maturing as they’ve aged a year since we met them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the new world building, as the setting is different, yet still vibrant. I’ve never been to summer camp, but the book brings back the euphoria a campy feel (campfires and bigfoot) and vast personality clashes and meshes.
The series also grows as we watch the teens interact with others their age.
Ms Ellis is an engaging narrator for her books!
I’m so excited to collect these audiobooks and share them with my granddaughters! Keep them coming!
In the meantime, I’m ready and eager to explore her books for an older audience, too.
April 19, 2017
What a wonderful book with an appeal for multiple age groups. My son and I both thoroughly enjoyed our second foray into the adventures of Sam and Ally.
The girls go to summer camp, they meet new friends, learn new songs and have a great adventure! I love the deeper messages in this book. how they don't want to judge someone in the first ten minutes of camp and end up friending a friendless girl. A shared love of reading brings in another friend and kindness alone earns the next. Most importantly well chosen friends matter. Those who are honest and kind and try hard because you cannot do everything by yourself.
While I have never been to a summer camp I live in the mountains and can perfectly picture the raccoons finding a snack, the chill of the lake water and the peace and beauty of riding up a trail.
We cannot wait to read the next installment! Audible doesn't have it so I'm going to get a hard copy. It will take us a little longer to read it but I'm sure we will both enjoy it tremendously.
The girls go to summer camp, they meet new friends, learn new songs and have a great adventure! I love the deeper messages in this book. how they don't want to judge someone in the first ten minutes of camp and end up friending a friendless girl. A shared love of reading brings in another friend and kindness alone earns the next. Most importantly well chosen friends matter. Those who are honest and kind and try hard because you cannot do everything by yourself.
While I have never been to a summer camp I live in the mountains and can perfectly picture the raccoons finding a snack, the chill of the lake water and the peace and beauty of riding up a trail.
We cannot wait to read the next installment! Audible doesn't have it so I'm going to get a hard copy. It will take us a little longer to read it but I'm sure we will both enjoy it tremendously.
August 1, 2018
Lovely clean story for young readers!
This mystery celebrates genuine friendship without being nauseating like some narratives can. There's some mild peril but appropriate for the reading level of the book. It took me a bit to get into it - the start was a bit flowery in the description- but I'm glad I persevered, ended up really enjoying it and I'm glad to be able to pass the series on to my eight year old daughter!
This mystery celebrates genuine friendship without being nauseating like some narratives can. There's some mild peril but appropriate for the reading level of the book. It took me a bit to get into it - the start was a bit flowery in the description- but I'm glad I persevered, ended up really enjoying it and I'm glad to be able to pass the series on to my eight year old daughter!
January 5, 2020
Sam and Ally's second adventure. This time they are excited to go to camp where they will be able to swim and go horse riding, as well as making some new friends. However the reality isn't quite as expected. The camp leader seems to have it in for Sam from the beginning and they start to find clues that something very strange is going on.
April 22, 2020
This was a great book to read with the developing relationships between the kids a major focus of the story. The mystery element gave the story increased depth and Sam was adventurous which the target audience (pre-teen girls) will enjoy. Having said that, I am neither pre-teen nor a girl and I enjoyed the developing bonds between all the young characters. However, the impersonal names for the camp helpers grated a bit, as well as the use of the present tense throughout the narrative. That’s just me, though, and I’m sure young kids everywhere will enjoy this book. There are lots more Samantha Wolf stories and I shall be sure to check them out. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2018
I just read this with my Grand Daughter and she enjoyed it as much as, maybe even more than I did.
What REALLY amazes me is her memory for the previous book in the series--I guess I'm going to have to accept the fact that "high-mileage" is a kicking in.
What REALLY amazes me is her memory for the previous book in the series--I guess I'm going to have to accept the fact that "high-mileage" is a kicking in.
February 21, 2019
This was a very well written story and one I truly enjoyed. The characters of Sam and Ally, as always were quite well rounded. The other characters, like Lexie, Becky, and Sandy were really well developed and could easily be related to. Especially Lexie's story. While I had my round of suspects and suspected something was going on, the author really surprised me with one of them at the end I didn't expect well as what was really going on. Once again Tara Ellis knocks it out of the park.
October 1, 2020
Sam and Ally's second adventure. This time they are excited to go to camp where they will be able to swim and go horse riding, as well as making some new friends. However the reality isn't quite as expected. The camp leader seems to have it in for Sam from the beginning and they start to find clues that something very strange is going on.
May 31, 2018
This is the second book I read and enjoyed them both. How many of us went to summer camp as kids? I never had to solve a mystery but it definitely brought back memories of long lasting new friends and fun and learning. If your kids read it they will want to go to camp. I recommend this book.
June 23, 2019
What can I say about this book? All I can say is I love it! No negative about it! Always have good positive about this book! She did great job on it! She is one of my favorite author! ☺
July 22, 2018
This is the second book I’ve listened to by this author. Previously, I listened to Hollow Inn- Book 1 of the Samantha Wolf Mysteries.
Another excellent kids mystery! These are not complicated or overly fantastical stories.
It is an enjoyable read about Samantha and her best friend while they are at a summer camp where they befriend some girls assigned to their cabin. As strange things start happening they start to piece things together and realize there is something more going on than a camp that is loosing its good standing.
Once again, the author provides a good narration for the book. She does well giving each of the characters voices and has a nice cadence to her narration.
There is no violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
Another excellent kids mystery! These are not complicated or overly fantastical stories.
It is an enjoyable read about Samantha and her best friend while they are at a summer camp where they befriend some girls assigned to their cabin. As strange things start happening they start to piece things together and realize there is something more going on than a camp that is loosing its good standing.
Once again, the author provides a good narration for the book. She does well giving each of the characters voices and has a nice cadence to her narration.
There is no violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
April 14, 2020
Not as good as Book 1, but not bad...
The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines is a decent story, but nowhere near as good as the first book, the Mystery of Hollow Inn. The writing is good—even with the present tense which I dislike—but the plot is a bit contrived. Granted, being an older dude who graduated high school in the 1970s, I’m not exactly Tara Ellis’ target audience.
It would be hard to comment about the details without giving away the entire story, so I’ll just say the story could have been improved by giving more attention to the supernatural element in the wilderness that is hinted at, instead of girl’s camp politics. That notwithstanding, Samantha Wolf and her sidekick Ally, are superb characters.
The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines is a decent story, but nowhere near as good as the first book, the Mystery of Hollow Inn. The writing is good—even with the present tense which I dislike—but the plot is a bit contrived. Granted, being an older dude who graduated high school in the 1970s, I’m not exactly Tara Ellis’ target audience.
It would be hard to comment about the details without giving away the entire story, so I’ll just say the story could have been improved by giving more attention to the supernatural element in the wilderness that is hinted at, instead of girl’s camp politics. That notwithstanding, Samantha Wolf and her sidekick Ally, are superb characters.
May 27, 2018
A mysterious read!
Summer camp...
New friendships are made...
And a mystery that needs solving...
Another mystery begging to be solved! These girls went for quite a journey, I must say! I am so glad they were okay after all that has happened to them.
These girls were fantastic and enjoyable to read - loved every moment of their journey and how they solved the mystery.
These girls are loads of fun! Cannot get enough of these books!
Full of mystery, adventure, suspense, suspicion, friendships, camp, sleuthing, action and secrets.
Perfect for readers of mystery reads.
Reread: Audiobook
The narrator was amazing. A great listen!
Summer camp...
New friendships are made...
And a mystery that needs solving...
Another mystery begging to be solved! These girls went for quite a journey, I must say! I am so glad they were okay after all that has happened to them.
These girls were fantastic and enjoyable to read - loved every moment of their journey and how they solved the mystery.
These girls are loads of fun! Cannot get enough of these books!
Full of mystery, adventure, suspense, suspicion, friendships, camp, sleuthing, action and secrets.
Perfect for readers of mystery reads.
Reread: Audiobook
The narrator was amazing. A great listen!
August 2, 2019
This was a good book about friendship, mysteries and the power of bringing people together even just for a short time.
May 24, 2018
Totally cool!
I loved reading this book. There was some action, but I kind of loved the mystery of it. It reminded me of The Hardy Books. And I loved reading The Hardy Boys.
I loved reading this book. There was some action, but I kind of loved the mystery of it. It reminded me of The Hardy Books. And I loved reading The Hardy Boys.
October 9, 2019
I loved reading Nancy Drew when I was a kid and this series to me is a modern day version. I will have to go back and re-read the Nancy Drew books I grew up with.
March 24, 2019
This was so fun to read!
If you liked Harry Potter/Umbridge dynamic this book have similar plot line.
If you liked Harry Potter/Umbridge dynamic this book have similar plot line.
March 4, 2017
Fabulous!!!!!!!
Just incredible. There are no words about how great this series of books is!! I love these great, kid- friendly books!!!!!!!
Just incredible. There are no words about how great this series of books is!! I love these great, kid- friendly books!!!!!!!
February 11, 2020
To me, these books are very reminiscent of Nancy Drew. They’re simple enough for children to read, yet the mystery is not painfully obvious.
I enjoyed this story as it had me guessing what certain character’s motives were and trying to figure out who was good and who was “bad”. I liked that the mystery itself was not a single thing, but involved multiple wrong things being done that were connected. To me, that really adds to a mystery and makes it not as easy to solve. I like being made to keep guessing!
I really appreciate that the author doesn’t play off of teenager’s smart-mouths and attitudes like so many books I have come across. It is very refreshing!
I found one or two typos, which was not a big deal for me. My only problem with this book, as with book one, is the present tense wording. There were several instances where it just read funny and tripped me up.
All-in-all, I think these are wonderful books and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I enjoyed this story as it had me guessing what certain character’s motives were and trying to figure out who was good and who was “bad”. I liked that the mystery itself was not a single thing, but involved multiple wrong things being done that were connected. To me, that really adds to a mystery and makes it not as easy to solve. I like being made to keep guessing!
I really appreciate that the author doesn’t play off of teenager’s smart-mouths and attitudes like so many books I have come across. It is very refreshing!
I found one or two typos, which was not a big deal for me. My only problem with this book, as with book one, is the present tense wording. There were several instances where it just read funny and tripped me up.
All-in-all, I think these are wonderful books and look forward to reading the rest of the series!
July 7, 2019
This is a middle grade mystery, so a little cheesy, but I think my kids will enjoy reading it.
February 12, 2015
What a fun book!
This really took me back to my camping days as a child, and all of the 'made up' mysteries my friends and I would 'solve'. It's another easy read, but a bit more complex than the first book. (The Mystery of Hollow Inn)
I think I would compare this series more to Trixie Beldon, rather than Nancy Drew. (although I like them both....Trixie was my favorite!)
It's perfect for both the young and old reader, being a 'clean' read with a good, positive message but also enough of a involved story to keep an older reader engaged.
I hope that other people start discovering this series, because it really is very good!!
This really took me back to my camping days as a child, and all of the 'made up' mysteries my friends and I would 'solve'. It's another easy read, but a bit more complex than the first book. (The Mystery of Hollow Inn)
I think I would compare this series more to Trixie Beldon, rather than Nancy Drew. (although I like them both....Trixie was my favorite!)
It's perfect for both the young and old reader, being a 'clean' read with a good, positive message but also enough of a involved story to keep an older reader engaged.
I hope that other people start discovering this series, because it really is very good!!
December 31, 2020
Best friends Sam & Ally go to Camp Whispering Pines for a time of outdoor adventure: swimming, horseback riding, kayaking, & hiking. Sam seems to get off on the wrong foot with the camp administrator, Ms Cooper, and finds herself in trouble for things which aren't her fault. There is also the issue of what is out there when the girls go off trail and find themselves being followed by what they think could be 'Bigfoot'.
This second book was an improvement on the first one (although that one was quite good too). Sam & ally are back for some more mystery adventures. The girls are interesting enough characters, and they face peril, but you just know it will all work out in the end.
This second book was an improvement on the first one (although that one was quite good too). Sam & ally are back for some more mystery adventures. The girls are interesting enough characters, and they face peril, but you just know it will all work out in the end.
May 19, 2016
I was not disappointed. Tara Ellis did it once again. This book not only was just as fun and fast paced as the first book, but it was another good mystery.
I was so excited to get a message from Tara, asking me to read this book for an honest review, since I loved the first one. Sammantha Wolf reminds me of a younger, modern Nancy Drew. I highly recommend this book to any kids or younger teens who loved Nancy Drew.
Forgive me for the short review, but I just loved it so much, I can't write it down!
I was so excited to get a message from Tara, asking me to read this book for an honest review, since I loved the first one. Sammantha Wolf reminds me of a younger, modern Nancy Drew. I highly recommend this book to any kids or younger teens who loved Nancy Drew.
Forgive me for the short review, but I just loved it so much, I can't write it down!
January 19, 2021
A very nice young adult mystery.
I really like this story, reminiscent of the Carolyn Keene stories of Nancy Drew and her friends. These sleuths are a bit younger than Nancy Drew but still has the love of adventure and good honest nature and good morals. I thing this is a very good book for young adults and I as m glad I have so many of this series.
I really like this story, reminiscent of the Carolyn Keene stories of Nancy Drew and her friends. These sleuths are a bit younger than Nancy Drew but still has the love of adventure and good honest nature and good morals. I thing this is a very good book for young adults and I as m glad I have so many of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews